Now Commenting On:

Lilly gives Dodgers' rotation much-needed boost

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers left-hander Ted Lilly looked good in his return from the disabled list on Saturday, a positive sign for a rotation that has been ravaged by injuries.

Lilly allowed just two hits and two runs (one earned) in 5 1/3 innings against the Cardinals, the team with the best record in the National League (31-17). The veteran left the game with the Dodgers ahead, 3-1, but settled for a no-decision in his first start since April 29.

While Lilly gave the Dodgers exactly what they wanted, he still sees room for improvement.

"I think my timing was a little in and out," Lilly said. "I wasn't all over the place, but my command wasn't as good I would like it to be. I still have a ways to go, as far as sharpness. I missed out over the plate quite a bit. Fortunately, I got away with it. But with that said, I think it's best I've thrown the ball in a long time, too."

Lilly allowed an unearned run in the first inning and loaded the bases with two outs before settling in and retiring 14 Cardinals in a row.

Lilly was removed after walking Matt Holliday with one out in the sixth and left the mound to a standing ovation. It was quite the turnaround form his previous home start in April, when he pitched through a rib injury and gave up five runs in three innings against Colorado.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. Austin Laymance is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.